How soon will the test arrive?

If you order your test before midday on a Monday to Friday then your kit will be dispatched the same day. All our kits are sent out via Royal Mail first class post, so it should be with you within 1-2 working days.

When will I get my results?

We aim to deliver your results within 2 working days of your blood sample arriving at our lab.

How do I view my results?

When you buy your test, we will ask you to create an account with us during checkout. This will give you access to your own, secure health dashboard where you can view your results.

How secure is my data?

We have strict processes in place to ensure the protection of your data. Following GDPR the company also operates under tight legal rules about the sharing of data which ensures that data is only shared if it is crucial to the delivery of our service. For example, our doctors see customer results at the time of review, however, after review, access to results is withdrawn.

How do I find out my results are ready?

We keep you updated throughout the process by email and text message. We will let you know when your blood sample has arrived at our lab. Once the blood sample has been analysed one of our doctors will review your results. Once your results are ready, we will email you and send you a text message to let you know your results are ready for you to view in your health dashboard.

Does a doctor review my results?

We have a team of doctors and nurses who look at all results and will comment on any results that are outside of the normal range for your age.

What is Total Testosterone & Why Is it Important for Athletes?

1 min read

Published on

May 22, 2025

Written by

EDGE

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What Is Total Testosterone?

Total testosterone reflects the overall level of testosterone in the bloodstream, both bound and free. It’s a primary driver of muscle growth, strength, libido, energy, and recovery in both men and women.

For athletes, suboptimal testosterone (even within the “normal” range) can blunt training progress and recovery.

"Testosterone influences strength, recovery, energy and muscle mass. Low levels can impair training gains, libido and mental focus. For male and female athletes, I recommend testing every 3–6 months, particularly during periods of high training load. Pairing testosterone with cortisol and SHBG offers insight into hormonal balance and training readiness."

Dr Thom Phillips

What are normal Total Testosterone levels for athletes?

We looked at blood test data from EDGE customers and found the median total testosterone levels for women are 0.9 nmol/L and 18.8 nmol/L for men.

Here is a breakdown of total testosterone levels by age:

Table 1: Total Testosterone Levels in Men and Women by Age Group (nmol/L)
Age Group	Female	Male
18-29	1	19.6
30-39	1	19
40-49	0.8	18.7
50-59	0.5	17.9
60+	0.31	17.8

Source: EDGE customer blood test results Apr 2023 – March 2025.

The labs we used to analyse blood samples state a healthy range for total testosterone is generally between 0.3-1.7 nmol/L for women and 8.6-29 nmol/L for men.

Median total testosterone levels for male and female athletes in the UK, 2025.

Signs of Low Testosterone

Low testosterone can have a significant impact on your performance, recovery, and overall wellbeing. Some common signs include:

Reduced strength or stalled muscle gain
Low energy or persistent fatigue
Poor recovery or frequent injuries
Low libido and mood changes

Why Test Total Testosterone?

Measuring your testosterone levels provides valuable insight into your hormonal health and how it’s influencing your training and recovery. Key reasons to test include: